Ghana’s aviation sector will before the end of the year undergo two set of audits that would address loopholes, making the country more compliant with international standards.
This according to sources within the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) will deliver a robust aviation sector for the country.
The first of the audit is the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) audit is expected to take place in March. This should address existing loopholes which eventually will enable Ghana undergo the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)’s audit to regain the Category 1 status.
In regaining the Category 1 rating from FAA, airlines registered in Ghana and had obtained the requisite authorizations from the FAA and the Department of Transport, to operate air services to the United States of America.
Following this, FAA will also conduct technical assessments on the operations of the airline that would want to commence operations to the United States, as well as their compliance with the GCAA regulations.
In 2009, Ghana was downgrade by the FAA from a Category 1 rating after reassessing the GCAA. The agency concluded that the country does not have an “adequate infrastructure” to meet international safety standards. These standards are developed around airline operations and airport facilities but can also be applicable to business aircraft operators.
Currently, some countries that have undergone such the rating downgrade include India, Bangladesh and Indonesia.